By Peace Udugba.
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to establishing state police forces across Nigeria as a strategic measure to combat the nation’s escalating security challenges.
During a recent meeting with stakeholders in Katsina State, Tinubu emphasized the necessity of creating state police, stating, “I have to create state police. We are looking at that holistically.
The President’s advocacy for state policing is rooted in the belief that decentralized law enforcement will enable more effective responses to localized security issues, such as terrorism, cybercrime, and communal conflicts. He has called for constitutional amendments to transfer policing responsibilities from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, thereby allowing states with the requisite capacity and political will to establish their own police forces.
This initiative has garnered support from various quarters, including the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization Afenifere, which praised Tinubu’s resolve to implement state policing.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan also endorsed the move, highlighting its potential to address internal security challenges effectively.
However, the proposal has faced opposition from some quarters. Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun expressed concerns that state police could exacerbate ethnic tensions and be susceptible to political misuse by state governors.
Similarly, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, cautioned that the establishment of state police might lead to civil unrest if not carefully managed.
Despite these reservations, President Tinubu remains steadfast in his pursuit of state policing as a means to enhance national security and address the diverse needs of Nigerian communities.
